Embarrassingly low poll numbers for Democrat Doyle in a Moderately Democratic state like Wisconsin. His unflattering 43-48 approval rating can’t be helping matters either. Former Governor Tommy Thompson remains popular (54-36), but only holds Doyle to a dead heat, which is troubling. Maybe Barack Obama’s 14-point margin over John McCain is a signal that Wisconsin’s politics have changed, or it could be that voters are just tired of Thompson, who was elected to four terms as Governor. I don’t think Thompson runs. However, Doyle may not run either. But if Doyle runs and loses, then that will be a strong signal of displeasure with the Democrats control. More polling tested his replacement(likely Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton) against the GOP.

Lawton currently holds a 35-17 favorability rating, which helps her immensely. The fact that she starts off with a 9% advantage is troubling, however. Research 2000 also did a poll on the WI-SEN race, where Senator Russ Feingold is up for re-election.

Congressman Paul Ryan has reportedly ruled out a bid for the Senate in 2010. Former Congressman and former US ambassador to Tanzania Mark Green is currently busy working for an anti-malaria non-profit group in DC, so he’s out too.